Dasasahitya Pitamaha - Sri Sripadarajaru

Around 100 kms from Bengaluru is a small town Mulabagilu...just 35kms away from Kolar and 30kms from Andhra border. On the outskirts of this town...right on the Tirupati Highway is Narasimha Teertha, the resting place of the greatest Madhwa saint, the initiator of Dasasahitya in Karnataka, Guru of Sri Vyasateertha, Sri Sripadaraja

Sri Sripadaraja is the 8th peethadipathi from Madhwacharya in the lineage of Sri Padmanabha Teertha, the direct  deciple and the first successor of Sri Madhwacharya . The mutt was initially known as Padmanabha Teertha mutt which later became famous as Sripadaraja Mutt after this great saint.

Early days:

Sri Sripadaraja was born as Lakshminarayana to Sheshappa and Giriamma in Abbur near Chennapatna taluk of Ramnagar district in the year 1406. His cousin was the great Brahmanya Teertha of Rajendra Teerthara mutt of Sosale which is now known as Vyasarayara mutt. His parents were pious couple.
At the age of 12  after his upanayana, he was once playing in the fields grazing the cattle. It was evening time and sun was about to set. Sri Swarnavarna Teertha swamiji  of Padmanabha Teerthara mutt was going towards Abbur to meet Sri Brahmanya teertha.He saw Lakshminarayana and asked him how far Abbur was..to which the boy replied..look at the setting sun and us. You can judge how far it is. The meaning was Abbur is so close that though the sun is setting, we are still in the fields and can get back to home within minutes.  Moved by the smartness of this young boy, swamiji approached his parents and asked them to give Lakshminarayana to the mutt. Parents agreed hesitantly and thus Lakshminarayana became Lakshminarayana Teertha. Thus a pole star (Dhruva Nakshatra) of Dwaita philosophy was born

Lakshminarayana teertha to Sripadaraja

Sri Lakshminarayana Teertha after getting initial education from Swarnavarna Teertha went to study under another great saint of the time Sri Vibhudendra teertha,who was heading what is now Sri Raghavendra Swamy matha.

Sri Vibhudendra Teertha trained Sri Lakshminarayana Teertha in all the shatras ,Vedas and Vedanta. The young saint soon became very famous among all the saints and pandits. Once Sri Vibhudendra Teertha held a conference of all saints on the banks of river Krishna at Koppara. The saints included even the Raghunatha Teertharu of Sri Uttaradi mutt. As all the saints debated and discussed on the philosophy, sri Lakshminarayana Teertha's arguments impressed all of them so much that the Raghunatha Teertha proclaimed that though we are all saints  (sripadaru) , you are a king among saints, which translates to SripadaRaja. All the saints together then named Him as SripadaRaja . Thus Lakshminarayana Teertharu became SripadaRaja 

Contribution to Kannada language

After few days, Sripadarajaru returned to Srirangam to be at side of his aging Guru. At Srirangam,  Rajaru observed the usage of Tamil in the temples by Srivaishnava yatis and pandits. The tamil language was given importance as equal as it was for Sanskrit and was widely used across the society. This was not case with Kannada and Telugu. The pandits felt  usage of any language other than sanskrit as below dignity. This made the Dwaita philosophy restricted only to few pandits . After Swarnavarna teertharu passed away,Rajaru became head of the mutt. 

Rajaru composed three poems Bhramara geeta,Venugita and Gopigita in kannada and brought in the practice of reciting them at Night seva along with Sanskrit Stotras. As Rajaru meditated, He composed many such songs in praise of Lord. This practice made common people from all sections of society to understand the principles of Dwaita philosophy and initiated the Bhakti movement. He himself used to sing these songs during the seva. More and more people joined this initiative and thus  a strong foundation for Dasasahitya was laid which was developed into big tree by His greatest desciple Sri Vyasarayaru , Sri Vadirajaru, Purandara dasaru,Kanakadasaru and many more. Hence he is aptly regarded as founding father of Dasasahitya- Dasasahitya Pitamaha

As one recites the Dasaparampara , Sripadarajaru occupies the first position. Had not been for Him, all of us would have been deprived of this great treasure of the Dwaita philosophy

He composed hundreds of Devaranamas which are full of affection towards Sri Hari. His pen name was Sri Ranga Vithala. Have listed few:

Itthange iruvenu Hariye, Hare venkata shailavallabha, kangalidyatako Kaveri Rangana nodada.

He composed the Madhwanama in Kannada , a translation of Sanskrit  Vayu stuti , which has enabled everyone to understand the three avatars of Vayu amd is believed to be as powerful as Vayustuti. 

Thus he brought back dignity to Kannada language and made it also as equal to Devabhasha. 

He also wrote grantha in sanskrit by name Vagvajra

Mulabagilu

Rajaru came to a place called Mulabagilu or Modalabagilu as was it known in those days. It was an important town in Chandragiri province of Vijayanagar empire. Outside the town was the place where the famed Sri Akshobhya teertha had a debate with Sri Vidyaranya on Tatvamasi and also where He had installed the Yoganarasimha near a tank called Narasimha Teertha. Rajaru selected this place and established a university where thousands of students were imparted vedic knowledge along with Bhagawata dharma.

An affectionate Guru

As  Sri Brahmanya teertha of Rajendra Teertha mutt was getting old, He left His successor, a young Sanyasi probably of 12 years old at the university of Sripadaraja for further studies. This young sanyasi was none other than Sri Vyasarayaru who later becomes the kulaguru of Vijayanagar empire. This was a begining of an everlasting Guru Shishya relationship. Rajaru had mastery over 64 skills . He imparted His vast knowledge to Vyasarayaru. Rajaru along with Brahmanya teertharu and Vyasarayaru travelled several places in the old Mysore region. Rajaru taught Sri Vyasarayaru the art of sculpting the Hanuman with 64 vital signs. The first such murti was installed together by the three yatis at Maddur, the famous Hole Anjaneya,as is known now. They together installed such Hanuman at Abbur and at Narasimha Teertha. Later Vyasarayaru went on to install 732 such Hanuman across Vijayanagar empire,which are very famous and considered to fulfill wishes of devotees .

Once when Vyasarayaru was meditating at Purushottama Guha at Abbur, a huge snake wrapped around him tightly. Rajaru spoke to snake in its own language and requested to leave him and thus saved Vyasarayaru.

Rajaru along with Vyasarayaru were once travelling to Pandharpur,when on the banks of River Bhima, they got two boxes. When Rajaru opened one, He found a Ranga Vithala vigraha,which He worshipped for his entire life and composed songs with pen name as Ranga Vithala. This moorthi is still present in the mutt even today.

He gave up another box out of affection to Vyasarayaru,which had a Gopalakrishna vigraha which Vyasarayaru continued to worship.

The chief of Chandragiri province Saluva Narasimha was angry at behavior of temple priest at Tirupati. The priest had at many occasions misued the money and was leading lavishly. After warning him several times the king went and confiscated  the property of the  priest and all adult members of his family. He put all of them in jail. But, in those days, this act against bhamins was considered as sin equal to brahmahatya. After this incident,the chief repented for his act and approached Rajaru for prayaschita. Rajaru agreed to it  and helped him absolving from the sin. Soon, blessed by Rajaru,  saluva Narasimha became the emperor of Vijayanagar . He was still worried as the worship at Tirumala had stopped since no adult male members were left in the priest's family. He requested Rajaru to take over the temple administration and worship. He declined the offer and asked his desciple Vyasarayaru to perform pooja. Thus Vyasarayaru got an opportunity of worshipping lord Venkateshwara for 12 long years. Such was his love for his desciple.

Vyasarayaru has composed Sripadaraja ashtaka and also many songs on him of which Mahime salade.. song depicts many incidents of Rajaru's life. He calls Rajaru as his Vidya guru -
 jynana vairagya bhaktyadi kalyana gunashalinaha |shri Lakshminarayana munim onde vidya gurun mama ||

Mahan Tapasvi

As said earlier he had knowledge of 64 skills, yet never used for personal gains 

A brahmin had a brahmahatya curse. He had travelled all places throughout the country to get it absolved but was in vain. He approached Rajaru and requested for help. Rajaru asked him to visit Him while performing the pooja of Gopinatha and RangaVithala. On the day when that brahmin arrived, Rajaru requested Lord to free the brahmin from.sin and sprinkled the holy water from the shanka,meant for abhisheka. Soon the brahmin was free from the curse. 

Few people in the mutt doubted this . In order to clear doubts about the power of shankodaka, Rajaru accepted the challenge of the pundits and sprinkled the holy water on a dark cloth turning it to white.

Rajaru  used to offer 64 varities of dishes to Lord as naivedya and never missed it. In order to test this, a king delayed the naivedya timings,while Rajaru was travelling in a forest. As Rajaru was thinking on how to arrange for offering, a wealthy man from a neighbor img village had a dream and came up with supplies in the forest where Rajaru was staying. He was very much pleased and happily offered the 64 dishes as naivedya.  It os believed that , just remembering of Sripadarajaru will a person get feast.

As few old people around Mulabagilu were unable to travel Kashi and bathe in Ganga, Sripadarajaru askes them to come over to Narasimha teertha. He sat fora japa and requested Godess Ganga to come and bless. Soon,  a fresh spring of water came up at that tank and people happily took a dip in the water.

All these incidents are recorded by Vyasarayaru. There are many incidents which can never be covered in a blog about Sripadarajaru

Last days

Sripadarajaru lead a life of 98 years serving Lord in different ways, imparting knowledge and blessing people. He selected the same Narasimha Teertha as his resting place and disappeared from the eyes of common people in the month of June in the year 1502 corresponding to Jyeshta Shudda Chaturdashi. 

However His presence is still felt at His brindavana

Many great saints visited His brindavana and had darshana of Rajaru . Sri Vyasarayaru describes the power of padodaka of Rajaru and the benefits of having darshana of His Brindavan.

Sri Vadirajaru composed a stotra on Sripadarajaru. Many dasaru like JagannathaDasaru have composed songs on Him and has told the benefits of reciting the Madhwanama composed by Rajaru.

Sripadaraja's bhakti about God can be felt just by listening to the songs he composed. His vairagya(detachments from materialistic desires) can be understood by reading His ugabhogas. His philosophy ical depth can be understood by His book Vagvajra.

"Maneyinda santosha kelavarige lokadolu

dhanadinda santosha kelavarige lokadolu
vaniteyinda santosha kelavarige lokadolu
tanayarinda santosha kelavarige lokadolu
initu santosha avaravarigagali ninna nenevo
santosha enagagali namma rangavittala ||"

Few people are pleased with property. Few with wealth.Few are pleased with woman, few with children. Bless them with their happiness and bless me with the pleasure of worshipping you always...O..RangaVithala

Today He sits right on the way to Tirupati as if to convey that He leads us to God's path. Hence  Sri Vyasarayaru very rightly says --
 "Tam vande Narasimha Teertha nilayam, Vyasarat pujitam. Dhyantam mansa Narasimha charanam Sripadaraja Gurum"

_ saultations to one who dwells in Narasimha Teertha, one who is worshipped by Vyasarayaru. One who always meditates the holy feet of Lord Narasimha, Sripadaraja Guru

Shri krishnarpana

References : Karnataka Bhakta Vijaya by Sri Belur Keshava dasaru

Kaliyuga Kamadhenu Sri Raghavendra Teertha

The word KamaDhenu in sanskrit means the one that fulfills the wishes. It is a celestial cow that fulfills people's desire. This very nature  of Kamadhenu is what our Raghavendra Teertharu is identified with.

Sri Raghavendra teertharu was the 16th pontiff of the mutt, which was in direct lineage from Sri Madhwacharya. The mutt was known as Vibhudendra Teerthara mutt or at times as Kumbhakonam mutt.

Timanna Bhatta and his wife Gopikamba  were disciples of Sri Vijayendra Teertharu of the Kumbakonam mutt and were staying in Bhuvanagiri in Tamil Nadu. They had  a son and a daughter. They had a desire to have a child who will be a great devotee of Sri Hari  and hence visited Tirupati, performed seva. The couple had a dream where Srinivasa blessed them saying great devotee Prahalad will be reborn to them as child.

After few days a baby boy was born. He was named Venkatanatha.This news reached to the mutt and Sri Vijayeendra teertha swamiji asked the couple to visit the mutt. Looking at the baby and his charm, he was very  happy and said His guru was reborn. The guru was none other than Sri Vyasateertha who was the vidyaguru of Sri Vijayeendra Teertharu.

As a very young boy, Venkatanatha showed all signs of a great saint. He always liked to perform pooja like swamiji does. He was a great devotee of Sri Hari. His father performed the upananyana ceremony and passed away soon after. Venkatanatha was shattered at this. He was  good in playing Veena and had inherited the art of veena from his father.

Venkatanatha was sent to Madurai at his elder sister's house for education  . His brother-in law Sri Lakshmi Narasimhachar was a very learned and respected man. The couple were married for long time and had no children. As he was learning vedas,shastras and  Dwaita philosophy from his brother in law, once his sister came home from a function saying she was not allowed inside the function since she was childless  and will not be having it in future also. Venkatanatha said she will definitely have a child since its Sri Hari's will. After few days a baby boy was born to them. He was named Narayanachar, who later writes the biography of Sri  Raghavendra Teertharu. 

Venkatanatha develops a strong devotion towards God and a very strong faith in Sri Madhwacharya and his philosophy. He starts visiting different places and takes part  in debates on the philosophy. Venkatanatha writes a commentary for Anu Madhwavijaya - which is summary of Sumadhwavijaya. This commentry is so beautiful that Sri Vadeendra Teertha, who later heads the Rayar mutt, explains in Guruguna sthavana that Madhwacharya might have been so  happy seeing this commentry that He directly offered his own seat of vedanta smarajya. Venkatanatha's fame reached the mutt and by then Sri vijayeendra teertharu was no more and Sri Sudheendra Teertharu was pontiff of the mutt. Swamiji meets Venkatanatha and becomes mesmerised by his knowledge. 

After few days Venkatanatha is married to smt Saraswati bai. The couple shared a very loving relationship.  Both of them couldn't live without each other even for a day. Venkatanatha used to take care of a piece of land given by mutt and also used to train students on Madhwa Philosophy. Few days passed by. A baby boy was born to them. He was named as Lakshmi Narayana. At this stage, one day a lady came to Venkatanatha's house and said she was ALakshmi and had come there to bring his misfortune.  Venkatanatha thought if this is Sri Hari's will, then would not object.  He allowed her to enter his home. Soon, he lost his mother. There was a draught and nothing could grow in his land. The revenue stopped. He was unable  to feed his family and also the students who used to study at his house. Slowly all the students left his house. Venkatanatha was so much devoted to Lord Vishnu that he did not loose faith in God even in bad times. He used to continue his daily pooja and never asked for anything with anybody. Its mentioned in Raghavendra Vijaya that, Venkatanatha, to avoid questions on his poverty, he used to apply dark anagara and akshanti on his forehead, so that people will not come to know that he did not have lunch for days together. He also tookup a oath, to not to take help from anybody. As days passed, the condition became very critical. There was not even milk to feed his young son. Probably even Alakshmi felt bad about this. Saraswati Bai,not bearing this anymore requested to go to Sudheendra Teertha swamiji and seek His help.
As they were on their way, there was a feast being organized in a brahmin's house. Venkatanatha and His family were asked to prepared the sandalwood paste, thinking that they had come there for lunch.  Venkatanatha unknowingly recited Narasimha Stotra while preparing the sandalwood paste. When this paste was offered to the brahmins , their body felt burning sensation. When this was brought to the notice of Venkatanatha , he felt sorry for that and recited the Varuna sookta. This healed the brahmins from the burning sensation. Such was the love of Lord in Venkatanatha that He could not tolerated the insult to Venkatanatha.

At the Sudheendra Teertha's ashrama, Venkatanatha's family got great relief. Their lives were back on track. Venkatanatha started teaching to children at the mutt and also travelled with swamiji. He participated in various debates and defeated many great scholars of different philosophies. Swamiji was filled with joy to have Venkatanatha with Him. One fine day, Lord Moola Rama appeared in swamiji's dream and ordered him to appoint Venkatanatha as his successor. Next day, swamiji invited Venkatanatha and offered him the peetha. Venkatanatha refused it and went back home with lot of confusion and stress. He was not ready to leave his wife and son. That night, Godess Saraswati appeared in his dream and explained his life's goal to ascend the Paramahamsa Peetha, Offer service to Moola Rama, help people in distress and above all write books that will take Madwacharya's teachings to each and eveyone. Soon his confusion was cleared. Next day, he left his family and took up sanyasa as Sri Raghavendra Teertha on Phalguna shudda dwiteeya, which is now  celebrated as pattabhisheka day. The raja of Tanjore along with all other pundits of dwaita philosophy were present at the event. As this was being celebrated, Saraswati bai, feeling difficult to live without her husband, left this world. 

A few days later Sri Sudheendra Teertharu while on travel fell ill and entered Brindavana at Anegondi.  Sri Raghavendra Teertharu was now about to become peethadipathi.  A incident happens here, which can be an example of humbleness and sacrifice to those who are power hungry.  Long back Sri Sudheendra Teertharu ordained a great soul and an expert in  dwaita philosophy, into sanyasa amd named him Sri Yadavendra Teertha. After the brindavan pravesha of his guru, Sri Yadavendra Teertharu came to Kumbakonam mutt. The news of his arrival spread among the masses and were worried od he would ask for the peethadipathi position.  Sri Raghavendra Teertharu welcomed Sri Yadavendra Teertharu and offered the peethadipathi as the former was senior amd has right for peetha.  As people were guessing He would accept it, Sri Yadavendra Teertharu humbly declined it and said His Guru has appointed right person to the peetha.  He had come there just  to see the pooja of  Moola Rama. sri Raghavendra Teertharu 

Offered the senior swamiji to perform pooja for few days.  Sri Yadavendra teertha then left for tour. He is always remembered as mahatapaswi and an epitome of sacrifice. Here  Sri Raghavendra Teertha's respect for his senior and his detachment for materialistic positions ia clearly visible. 

As days passed by, Sri Raghavendra Teertha's devotion towards Lord Sri Rama became famous. He was now being regarded as a person who could heal others problems due to his tapas shakti.  One day as he was performing pooja to Lord Moola Rama, he saw  a spirit (preta) of woman.  She was indeed Saraswati bai,  who was wandering as preta as she committed suicide.  Looking at her fate,He sprinkled the shankodaka. This freed her from the preta yoni. Sri Raghavendra ordered that henceforth people from Gautama gothra should offer bagina in her name on any big occasions at their house,  in remembering her sacrifice 

Contributions to Dwaita Philosophy :

Sri Raghavendra Teertha was an expert in madhwa philosophy and a treasure of sanskrit grammar.  The Raghavendra mangalashtaka written by Appanacharya

declares Him as the master of Alankara,  kavya(poetry) , nataka(drama) and vyakarna(grammar). 

He has written nearly 40 books on various aspects of Dwaita philosophy.  Bhaata sanghraha, Geeta Avriti, Paratah Sankalpa Gadhya and commentary on Sri Jayateertha's Nyaya Sudha called PARIMALA are amomg his famous works. Of all Parimala is very famous. His beautiful and simple commentry has helped future generations of Dwaita pundits to easily follow the philosophy. Sri Vadeendra Teertharu describes in Gurugunasthavana that Godess Saraswati was so pleased with Sri Raghavendra Teertha's knowledge  that She danced in happiness and the flowers which she was wearing fell down and the fragrance(Parimala)  of these flowers came down as Parimala grantha. He is regarded as one of the most important contributor to Dwaita Philosophy. A true devotee would always remember Raghavendra Teertharu through his works and the path he showed to reach God

Savior of Mankind:

Sri Raghavendra under took tours across the country in different phases of his tenure as peethadipathi. During these tours, inspite of busy schedule, He never hesitated to attend the people in distress,irrespective of caste and religious affiliation. As he was on a tour to Savanur, which was ruled by muslim nawab, He helped the Nawab's son to gain back life, by praying to Lord Sri  Rama.  He met chatrapati Shivaji maharaj in kolhapur and reminded him of his duty to establish Hindavi swaraj and blessed him. 

At a place near Adoni, an illiterate brahmin met Him.  Looking at his fate,  He blessed him by asking him to recite the name of Lord Sri Rama(Raghavendra) when in trouble. Adoni Nawab was returning back from a war got a message from his mahal in sanskrit. Unable decipher the message he saw this illiterate man on the way and ordered to read.  He didnot accept that a brahmin can be illiterate and said will punish him of he doesn't read the message.  Recalling Raghavendra's advice he recited Rama nama and read the message about the nawab's wife delivering a baby boy.  Nawab knowing this was very happy and offered him the position of Deewan.  Thus an illiterate man became Deewan Venkanna by Sri Raghavendra Teertha's blessings.  By now Sri Raghavendra Teertha was being called as Rayaru. 

A shishya of Rayaru was intending to get married and wanted to go back home . when he took permission from Guru, Rayaru gave him the mrittika. The shishya took it with utmost devotion and while on travel stayed at door steps of a house in a village one night. The owner of the house had a problem of death of his babies soon after the birth. On that fateful day, his wife was undergoing labor and gave birth to a healthy baby without any issues.  There was a evil spirit that used to kill the baby everytime.  But,  due to shishya carrying the mrittika, and sleeping at steps,  the spirit could npt do any harm.  Thus rayaru through his shishya saved the baby. 

Back in home at Tanjore,  he helped resolve differences between the nayaks of Madurai and Tanjore, avoiding a possible war. 

There are many of such instances which cannot be fit into this blog. 

Final Days:

In his final tour of his life, he came to Adoni, where he was invited by Deewan Venkanna to the palace of nawab. To test Rayaru, nawab offered a platefull of meat.  Rayaru accepted it by invoking Moola Rama's name and converting it to fruit. Stunned  by this the Nawab surrendered in devotion and requested to take anything he wished.  Rayaru asked for manchali village on the banks of river Tungabhadra, which was nothing less than a ghost village with no rains for several  years. Nawab not willing to give such a useless land, had to oblige Guru's ask. 

Rayaru visited the Manachali village and took permission from Manchalamma(who is an incarnation of Durga devi), to make this village, his resting place.

During his last chaturmasa at Manvi, near Raichur, a person from a lower class, in order to have darshana of Rayaru, visited the temple where Swamiji was staying. While he had nothing to offer to Moola Rama, the person just got some handfull of mustard seeds. He was stopped by the mutt staff at the temple, as Rayaru was performing smasthana pooja. Rayaru, sensing his arrival, asked the staff to let him in. He then spoke with lot of affection and asked him as to what he was hiding in his hand. The person gave the mustard seeds he had brought. Rayaru ordered to include these seeds in the  food that would be offered to Moola Rama. Since , mustard is forbidden in chaturmasa, the staff objected to it and few pundits left the mutt without having the food.But swamiji insisted on offering it as naivedhya without caring for the caste of the person who had brought this.  He later declared that the person was none other than the great Kanaka Dasaru in his last life. 

After few months,  Rayaru instructed Deewan Venkanna to start the process of constructing a brindavana for him. Every one was left in shock as this meant He will disappear from this materialistic world. A brindavana was made ready, however Rayaru said this will be used by another great saint who will come in his lineage and ordered to make a new one out of the rock where Sri Rama took rest on the banks of tungabhadra river at Madhwaram.  A new brindavana was constructed. The brindavana built earlier was used by Vadeendra Teertharu and is next to Rayaru in Mantralayam today. 

In the year 1671, on an auspicious day of Shravanamasa, krishnapaksha Dwiteeya, Rayaru addressed a huge  gathering of people including the Nawab of Adoni, Deewan Venkanna,  sri Yogeendra teertharu,that never ever doubt on Sri Hari. Trust him to the last breath of life. He said, he would remain in the brindavana for 700years and would pray to Lord Sri Hari on the behalf of the devotees to fulfill their requests.  He entered the brindavana alive. This day is celebrated as his Aradhana day. 

This was not the end,  but the begining of an ever lasting relationship between the devotees and the Guru.  Rayaru is one of the most popular yati among all the Madhwa saints and is followed by all sections of society. 

A number of mrittikabrindavanas are installed in all major cities across India and even in many foreign countries. 

Mantralayam is nothing less than any teertha kshetra. 

Many Hari dasaru including Sri Vijayadasaru, Sri Jagannatha dasaru, Sri Gopala dasaru have praised Rayaru in their songs.  Guru Shreesha dasaru has described the importance of Mantralayam in his song Nodele Manave Kondadu Gurugala Paada. A mere simple seva at this place relieves devotee of his pain. 

Sri Raghavendra Stotra by Appanacharya explains the importance of Sri Rayaru's paadodaka and darshana. 

Its a practice to recite Raghavendra stotra as ashtottara. 

As i started writing this article on His aradhana day on 10 August 2017,its been 346 years since he entered brindavana, but His teachings, his presence is still felt today. 

Iam fortunate that, the completion day of this article happens to be his birth anniversary(phalguna shukla saptami, this year being on 22 Feb 2018).

Lets us all follow atleast few things from his life-

1. Unquestionable faith in Lord Sri Hari

2. Have patience in life

3. Be committed to the cause of dharma

4. Detach yourself from the bindings of power and  wealth

5. Serve people in need

Sri Krishnarpana mastu 

Bhavi Sameera

Sri Vadiraja Teertha

Acharya Madhwa established the Dwaita philosophy in 13th Century. He installed Sri Krishna idol at Udupi and established 8 Mutts to worship Lord Krishna. These mutts followed a cyclic system of worshipping and administering the Sri Krishna mutt for every two months as instructed by Madhwacharya

Influenced by Dwaita philosophy, poorvashrama brother of Sri Madhwacharya  took sanyasa and became the first pontiff - Sri VishnuTeertharu, of one of the 8 mutts, Kumbhasi Mutt located at Kumbhasi near Udupi. In his lineage, was a pontiff by name Sri Vageesha Teertharu, who was in search of an able deciple who can carry the Dwaita flag and spread it across India.

A poor couple by name Ramacharya and Gowri of Kumbhasi were childless . They met Sri  Vageesha teertha. He blessed the couple and asked them to give their first child to the mutt, in case they were blessed with a baby boy. In the year 1480 on a Dwadashi day, Gowri delivered a baby boy in a field outside their house. Sri Vageesha teetharu heard the news and brought the baby to the mutt.

The baby boy had a very illuminating face, full of all the signs that His Guru was looking for. The baby was fed with the milk that was used for abhisheka of the Saligrama,daily. The boy was named as Bhooh Varaha. At a very tender age of 5 years, Bhooh Varaha was an expert in Sanskrit, Vedic knowledge . He was an extraordinary orator and had an unambiguous devotion towards Acharya Madhwa and Sri Hari. 

Vageesha Teertharu, attracted by his  supernatural skills ordained him into Sanyasa at the age of 7 and named his as SRI VADIRAJA TEERTHA. This was the greatest moment for the Madhwa Philosophy. A star was born, whose fame was about to stay forever

Very soon Vageesha Teertha passed away and the young Swamiji became the head of the mutt. He approached Sri Vyasa Teetha, who was at Vijayanagara[Hampi] to bless him with the divine  knowledge of Dwaita. Vadirajaru completed his studies, under the guidance of Sri Vyasa rajaru at Hampi along with many of his contemporaries such as Sri Vijayendra Teertharu of Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt.

Upon his return, the young swamiji took up the administration of the mutt. He attended his first paryaya and worshipped Lord Krishna.

He travelled across the country, visiting all the holy places. He started his journey from udupi, went to Dwaraka, then towards the North. It is said that He met Sri Vedavyasa and  Sri Madhwacharya at Badri and sought their blessings. He then moved towards, east and then to south. In South, at Triupati, when he was about to climb the hill, he saw the entire hill as Saligrama. Hence he decided to climb it through his knees . Such was his devotion to the Lord. He documented his journey as travelogue in Sanskrit, Teertha Prabhanda, which is referred as one of the most authentic historical document that deals with geography of all the places he visited at that time. He explains in detail, the philosophical importance of each of the Kshetra, the rivers

During his travel, he had debates with greatest of scholars of different schools of philosophies such as Advaita, Buddhism, Jainism etc and won all of them. He accepted many disciples, who after their defeat surrendered to the Dwaita Philosophy

Sri Vadiraja Teertha was a great author, an unmatched poet and an expert in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tulu and Konkani languages

He authored many books which are considered as gems in Dwaita philosophy.
1. Yukti Mallika
2. Sarasa Bharati Vilasa
3. Rukmineesha Vijaya are some of his greatest work explaining the tenants of Madhwacharya's teachings
Among them, Rukmineesha Vijaya is an extraordinary Sanskrit work that describes the beauty of Rukmini-The consort of Lord Krishna, Her marriage with Krishna and the slaying of Shishupala

This beautiful work was completed in just 18 days , that too while applying sandal wood paste  to his body everyday,at the time of lunch. It was written in Pune. When vadiraja teertha was in Pune, he heard about a book by name Shishupala Vadha, written by Magha Kavi. It was thought to be the most hailed book and was recognized by Peshwa of Pune. Vadiraja Teertha approached Magha Kavi and Peshwa. He said that he did not think that this book was worth of that respect, as the name itself glorifies the villain- Shishupala rather then the Hero-Lord Krishna. Magha Kavi challenged Him to write a book that can exceed his work on the same topic and thus was born Rukmineesha Vijaya. After reading the book Magha Kavi questioned as to how a sanyasi can describe a woman(Rukimini) so beautifully, without ever seeing or touching a woman in life. Sri Vadiraja teertha explains him with an example. Pleased by his explanation and influenced by the work, he admits that Rukmineesha Vijaya is the book that exceeds all other sanskrit work prevailing at that time.

Sri Vadirajaru also composed many works in praise of Lord such as Dashavtara Stuti - A sanskrit work that describes Lord Sri Hari's all 10 avtaras. It is a poem composed in Ashwa dhati , which when rendered has the notes similar to horse dance. Lord Sri Hari appeared in the form of a white Horse and danced infront of him, whenever this poem was recited by Sri Vadirajaru. It was his daily practice to offer a naivedya made of Horse gram and Jaggery to the Lord, who used to appear as horse,keep his front two legs on the shoulders of Sri Vadirajaru and eat the offering. A small amount was left which used to be Vadiraja Teertha's food.

He composed many devotional songs in Kannada. The most popular was Lakshmi shobhana. This song beautifully depicts Godess Lakshmi's marriage with Narayana. Soon after composing this song, a incident happened.  Sri Vadirajaru was invited for a marriage.  On the marriage day, the bride died suddenly.  Sri Vadirajaru sang this song and requested Lord to bless the bride with life again.  Pleased by his devotion, Lord brought back life of the bride. Since then,  its a common practice to sing this song in marriage across Karnataka. 

Through his songs in Kannada, Tulu and Konkani, he helped common people of all castes to understand Acharya Madhwa's teachings and bring them closer to God

As an able Administrator 

Sri Vadiraja Teertha was not just a sanyasi but also an able administrator who contributed a lot for the Sri Krishna mutt at Udupi.

The Vijayanagara emperors made Ratnabhisheka to Vadirajaru. He used all the amount donated by emperors for the welfare of temple. He installed an idol of Madhwacharya at Madhwa's birth place Pajaka.

He also installed Lord Hanuman in Udupi.It is believed that he constructed a temple tower in memory of great Haridasa Sri Kanakadasaru which is known as Kanaka Gopura today 

He was so courageous that he changed the paryaya of 8 mutts from 2 months to 2 years, which is followed even today 

He reinstalled Lord Shiva at Kuduma village according to Vedic rituals and named it as Dharmasthala,  which is the most popular pilgrim center in Karnataka today

As a social reformer

There were a group of brahmins who were goldsmiths by profession. They were not treated on par with other Brahmins. Once a goldsmith from this community was making an idol of Ganesha. However it used to take the shape of Lord Hayagriva everyday. One day this gold smith visited Sri Vadiraja'mutt and told him about this incident.  Sri Vadirajaru accepted this idol and granted the whole goldsmith community the Vaishnava  deeksha. Today this community is the largest follower of Vadiraj mutt

Apart from this, he gave vaishnava deeksha to many downtrodden people and helped them to lead a respectful life

Last years

After the collapse of Vijayanagara empire, he helped one Arsappa nayak of Sonda to regain his territory.  The king requested swamiji to build a mutt in Sonda forever. He accepted and with help of the king, built Rama Trivikrama temple 

He gave away the sixth Paryaya in favour of the junior pontiff of the mutt and returned to Sonda. He installed lord Shiva at Sonda resembling Chandramoulishvara at Udupi, built Dhavalaganga like Madhwa Sarvora and installed lord krishna and Hanuman. In short

Sonda became a replica of Udupi 

He ordered his deciples to build a Brundavana for himself.  After leading a meaningful life of 120 years (1480-1600)Sri Vadirajaru entered the brundavana alive and is till today blessing everybody 

From a peethadipathi to a an excellent orator to an humble devotee to an extraordinary scholar to a social reformer....He touched all walks of life.There are no words that can ever describe Sri Vadiraja Teertha.

Do visit sonda and seek his blessings 

Sri Krishnarpanamastu

Basics of Dwaita philosophy

The term Dwaita in Sanskrit means Duality . The Dwaita philisophy is one of the most sophisticated school of thought propounded  by Sri Madhwacharya.Though this  philosophy was prevelant before, it was Sri Madhwacharya who systematically established by writing up various commentories and authoring 37 books, which are known as Sarvamoola Granthas

Before we understand Dwaita, it is necessary that we know what duality does it refers to.

Sanatan Dharma,Hinduism as we call it now, is a very open religion. This dharma itself  grants every individual the right to question the beliefs and understand it. It believes that, without questioning(jignasa), one cannot gain knowledge. True to this belief, this questioning led to various schools of thoughts.

The 4 Vedas form the basis of the religion. Everything else revolves around these Vedas. The Vedas exists from time immemorial. There is no one single author. The Vedas are also called Apaurusheya - Not a creation of man.

The Upanishads are core part of Vedas - The antaranga or the heart of Vedas which deals with extensive explanations on the Veda mantras, on understanding who the Brahman(God) is, what is His nature,  how can one feel Him. The Upanishads are in the form of questions and answers. This interpretation of Upanishads has basically lead to different philosophies. Among all interpretations, the Advaita, Vishishta Advaita and the Dwaita are 3 major philosophies

All the three philosophies deal with who the Brahman is, His relation with the Atman , the Moskha-Liberation - the ultimate aim of every atman

The common understanding  among all the three philosophies is GOD or the Brahman is independent,is available everywhere ,in every being-living or non living

The difference arises with identifying who that Brahman is, how a atman can realise that Brahman.

Adwaitha as propounded by Sri  Adi Shankaracharya , says that Brahman is formless, this world which his creation is an illusion-Maya. The Brahman resides in every body. The day the atman residing in a body realises who that atman is, it becomes the Brahman itself. And hence every Atman can become Brahman, since there is no difference between Atman and Brahman-which is exactly the meaning of Adwaitha-Non Duality. This can be achieved by Bhakti-devotion towards Brahman, by understanding the Vedas, the Upnaishads, Puranas and performing tapas-Meditation under the guidance of an able Guru

With this brief understanding of Adwaitha, lets us know what is  Dwaitha

The basic principles of Dwaitha philosophy are:

1. Lord Sri Hari is the Supreme. He is the Parabrahma
2. All other beings including Devas, Devis are subordinate to him
3. There is difference between Atman(Jeeva) and Paramatma(Supreme God). The Atman can never become God nor can ever become like God.Hence Atma and Paramatma are two different entities and the difference will always exist. This is Duality-Dwaitha
4. This universe which is the creation of God is real and not illusion. One who creates imaginary or unreal things can never be God
5. The Parabrahman has infinite forms which is impossible to be defined by Jeeva or atman as against the formless concept of Brahman in Adwaitha 
6. The Parabrahman is always independent and all jeevas are dependent on him
7. one can be free from birth and death cycle only  through knowledge and absolute devotion towards Sri Hari 
8. God resides in every being. The atman which resides in the body is a reflection or mirror image of God residing in the body.  Hence knowing self gives the joy of knowing God. This is called Swaroopa Sukha. However this can never make the Atman neither God nor God like 
9. Only Sri Hari can provide Moksha and even in Moksha the atman can never become God
10. Sri Hari resides in all the demigods .There is a five fold difference and systematic hierarchy in everything that is present in this universe which is as below :

• There is a difference from one living being to the other
• There is a difference between living and non living things
• There is a difference between different non living thing
• There is a difference between a living being and God
• There is a difference between non living and God

This difference from one entity to the other is the law of nature. No entity can become another entity.Hence an atma can never become Paramatma